The Minnesota Timberwolves had a middling offense during the 2025–26 season, even while having one of the game’s most talented scorers in Anthony Edwards. They finished close to the middle of the pack (13th) with a 115.6 offensive rating. Minnesota ranked 12th among the 16 playoff teams with a 107.4 offensive rating.
The season before, the Wolves finished eighth in the regular season and sixth among playoff teams. Despite all the
Finishing even higher next season than they did in 2024-25 and much higher than they did in 2025-26 shouldn’t surprise anyone with the offseason trade for LaMelo Ball.
Ball should bring the offense to new heights
The evidence is clear that Ball can elevate an offense, especially in his most recent seasons with the Charlotte Hornets. The Hornets had the fifth-best offense last season, with an 118.4 offensive rating. From January 1 onward, his Hornets led the league, with that offensive rating increasing to 120.7.
Now, imagine Ball paired with Anthony Edwards. Most would agree that Edwards is one of the five most talented scorers in the league. Now, he finally has a backcourt partner who can get him more shots in the areas where he excels. Edwards is a superb catch-and-shoot 3-point shooter, and his attempts should now skyrocket.
Ball can generate more touches for cutters such as Jaden McDaniels and Ayo Dosunmu. His ability to attack defenses will free up Gobert for easy lobs or passes for dunks. It's easy to envision Ball building a connection with Joan Beringer as well, a big who can rim-run.
There should be plenty more ball movement with Ball now on the Timberwolves roster. Last season, Minnesota finished second-to-last with 42.1 potential assists per game.
None of this even includes the fact that Ball is arguably the most talented scorer Minnesota has had at point guard since perhaps a young Stephon Marbury. For five straight seasons, the six-year pro has averaged more than 20 points per contest, and his 9.2 assists per 36 minutes in 2025-26 were a career-best.
Now, the team has to hope that he can stay as healthy as he did last season. While Ball played 72 games last season, he combined to make just 105 appearances over the previous three years.
There will be plenty of excitement on the offensive end for the Wolves, and, health permitting, they could easily finish in the top five in offensive rating. The last time Minnesota accomplished that was in 2017-18, when they were fourth.
Add us as a preferred source on Google